As Oceans Divide Q&A
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
Built on years of friendship and a shared passion for heavy music, As Oceans Divide combines crushing riffs, soaring melodies and emotionally driven songwriting into a modern metal sound that's as technical as it is heartfelt.
Formed by guitarist Eric Camilleri and drummer Matt McGuire, the band quickly evolved into a collaborative force with vocalist Tom Emmans and guitarist/producer Thomas Ireland helping shape their signature style. With their self-titled debut EP arriving on July 9, As Oceans Divide is focused on creating music that leaves a lasting impact long after the final note.
Q&A with As Oceans Divide
Tell us about As Oceans Divide. Where did it all start?
It all started with guitarist Eric Camilleri wanting to create something heavier, more technical, and more emotionally driven than his previous project. He reached out to longtime friend Matt, and after trading ideas back and forth, the chemistry was immediate.
The first song, Into The Dying Light, became the foundation of what As Oceans Divide would become.
From there, longtime friends Tom Emmans and Thomas Ireland helped shape the sound into something bigger than we originally imagined, blending aggression, melody, and atmosphere.
As Oceans Divide was born from friendship, shared musical history, and the drive to create music that hits hard both technically and emotionally.
Who are all the current band members?
Tom Emmans (Vocals), Eric Camilleri (Guitar), Thomas Ireland (Guitar), Matt McGuire (Drums).
What was the spark that got everything started?
The spark was really the music itself. Eric started sharing ideas that felt different — heavier, more technical, but also more emotional and intentional than what we’d worked on before. When Matt heard the early version of what would become Into The Dying Light, there was an immediate feeling that this could be something bigger than just another side project.
From there, the momentum built naturally. Bringing in longtime friends like Tom Emmans and Thomas Ireland pushed the songs to another level creatively, and suddenly it felt like everyone was contributing to something that had real identity and purpose.
At the core, the spark came from a shared desire to create music that balances aggression, melody, and honest emotion — something heavy that people could not only hear, but actually feel.
What’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not expect?
One thing fans might not expect is that this band is built on years of friendship and shared history. Before As Oceans Divide, most of us had already crossed paths through touring, studio work, or playing in other bands together. There’s a lot of experience in the room, but also a lot of inside jokes, chaos, and genuine friendship behind the scenes. As serious as we are about the music, we spend just as much time laughing and keeping things light.
How would you describe your sound or style to someone who’s never heard your work before?
We’d describe our sound as a blend of technical heaviness, melody, and emotional intensity. There’s a balance between aggressive riffs, dynamic vocals, atmospheric moments, and songs that are built to take listeners on a journey rather than just hit them with nonstop heaviness.
If you like metal that combines raw energy with strong melodies, emotional depth, and a bit of unpredictability, that’s probably the lane we live in. We want the music to hit hard, but also leave something with you after the song ends.
What artists, experiences, or moments shaped your current style?
A lot of my current style comes from growing up on music that wasn’t afraid to swing between heavy emotion and straight-up chaos. Bands like Pantera really shaped the aggression and tightness for me, no wasted motion, just impact. At the same time, I was pulled into the more atmospheric and melodic side of things later on, where bands like All That Remains and As I Lay Dying showed me how space and dynamics can hit just as hard as speed.
Can you walk us through your songwriting or production process?
The first EP was written with Eric sending me Guitar riffs or sections and I would record drums and send it back. We would build the song together instrumentally while writing lyrics for it. We would put together a rough demo and send it to Tom and Thomas. From there, Thomas would start working on it while improving the sound and new ideas. Tom, the vocalist, would finish everything off by looking at the lyrics we provided, yet always changing them for the better, and recording vocals at Thomas Ireland's studio.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Pantera in their prime!
That era had this perfect mix of raw power, precision, and zero filler. The way they locked groove and aggression together is still unmatched, and I’d love to be in a room where that kind of energy is driving the writing process. It’s not just about heaviness, it’s about attitude, tone, and making every note feel like it means something.
What’s something you’ve learned about your own voice or instrument that changed how you write?
I have learned to focus more on serving the song and the music instead of trying to be impressive on the drums. Even playing simple beats perfectly is hard. nothing is easy.
What does a “good day in the studio” actually look like for you?
Any day in the studio is the best day. The #1 reason we do this is because we are passionate about playing our instruments, when you get to play with some of your best friends, what could go wrong?
What’s on your current playlist?:
New Sylosis, Megadeth, Lamb of God, At The Gates, and now, because the weather is heating up, you have to throw on some Chris Stapleton in the backyard by the pool with a beer.
What’s one piece of gear or software you can’t live without?
My axis longboards. Every time I try a new bass drum pedal it doesn't feel the same.
When do you know a song is finished?
Lately, that has been easy. I feel like with As Oceans Divide, these songs feel finished, and anything that seems undone is cleaned up by Thomas Ireland. Dude is a genius.
How much of your personal life makes it into your lyrics?
My life? None.. except on one song I helped write the lyrics on. This song hasn't yet been released.
How do you handle creative block when it happens?
I take a step away and come back to it later.
What’s been the proudest moment in your career so far?
That one’s tough because there are a few moments that all hit different.
But if I had to pick one, it’s stepping on stage with my Pantera tribute project and feeling the room actually lock in with us, just pure focus and energy bouncing back from the crowd. That feeling where the first hit lands and you know everyone in the room is in the same place for the next hour, that’s hard to top. can't wait to have that experience with As Oceans Divide.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career?
Getting 5 guys moving in the same direction. Its tough to do I think every musician can agree. I think we have a great team and lineup for this band.
What’s been your most memorable show so far — good or bad?
It has to be The Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa, ON, with Cowboys from hell, opening for Sandman (Metallica tribute) on my 40th birthday. Huge show. Crowd was amazing, they even sang me happy birthday.
What changes have you noticed in the music industry since you started?
The challenge of selling a product. It used to be CDs, now it has moved to streaming services.
What’s a part of the music business that actually takes up most of your time?
A huge part of the music business isn’t actually making music; it’s communication, organization, and keeping the machine moving. Scheduling rehearsals, booking shows, promoting releases, social media, answering messages, coordinating with bandmates… that stuff eats way more hours than most people realize
What’s a stereotype about your genre or scene that you’re tired of explaining?
That heavy music fans are angry, miserable people looking to break stuff. In reality, the scene is full of passionate, creative, hardworking people who just connect through intensity and honesty. The music hits hard, but so does the sense of community.
How do you support other musicians in your community?
I go to local shows when I can. My local is "the Underground" in Hamilton, Ontario. I just got to see Crimson Shadows up close and personal, and they were incredible.
What advice would you give to emerging musicians?
Play to enjoy the journey. Don't worry about a destination.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the music world?
I’m not too concerned about legacy, but I do hope to show my kids the value of chasing what you love. Follow your dreams, work hard, and put everything you’ve got into the things you’re passionate about.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we can be excited about?
Oceans Divide has a self-titled EP coming out with 5 songs that I am super proud to be a part of. Comes out July 9th.
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